Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-15

haps subdivision In Great Britain until there Is
a United states OF that empire. He remembered
apparently the downfall OF the American Union.
/ These gentlemen were now liberals, and their
| apology was accepted. He said that the cause OF
| Ireland would continue TO have his sympathy.
LETTERS OF RKGREr.
Mr. James Moran then read kilograms and let
| tiers OF regret from the following who had been
| invited to attend the meeting but were unable
70 be present: John Fitzgerald, president OF the
National League. John p. sutton, OF Nebraska;
Senators Henderson, Hoar, Daniel, Mcpherson,
Kenna, Hearst and Blackburn; Congressman Jehu
Baker, s. s. Cox, X. p. Kennedy, Binger Hermann,
| and B. f. snively; Assistant Attorney General
Montgomery, Register Rosecrans, and Prof John
Mercer Langston.
sIK GRATrAs-EsxoNDEs SPEECH.
Sir Thomas Henry Grattan-Esmonde was then
| introduced Mr. Esmonde is only twenty -four
years OF age, and his smooth face gives him very
youthful appearance His style OF speaking Is
very similar to that Of his associate. Mr. OConnor
He expressed his qualification at the character and
extent OF the meeting, and said that no doubt the
opposition in Engiandwould endeavor TO belttle it.
He said however, that the secret Of the greatness
OF this demonstration was that the cause, which
he and his colleague had come to plead was the
cause OF human liberty, and as such appealed to
Ing would nerve the people In Ireland to continue
the struggle, would help the cause OF constitu-
tional agitation and would enable the people to
measures now being adopted In the hope of divert
ing them from this course and leading them
10 violent measures. This meeting would also en-
courage the grand old statesman, Gladstone, who
wanted all the support and all the sympathy the
friends OF liberty could give him. He referred TO the
EFFORT Of the action OF America 100 years ago upon
the people of Ireland as well as upon the entire
world, and asked that II this country when just
budding forth into national existence could have
such a widespread influence what would be the
eject OF the public opinion Of nation now grown
great and powerful? He said that all ireland
asked now was the restoration of the rights which
elQhty-SpVpn
the enjoyment OF those rights which every Ameri-
can state possesses He was OF the opinion that II
prove of greater advantage 10 her almost than
70 Ireland herself. Upon the conclusion OF his
speech, which was warmly received, Mr.. Esmonde
was presented with bouquet OF flowers.
TIE RESOLUTIONS
The resolutions were read by Col Healy, and
unanimously adopted. A cordial greeting is ex-
tended on behalf OF the citizens ofWashington to the
two Irish representatives, and solemn protest IL
recorded against the policy of the tory government
OF speech OF justice, OF the freedom OF speech and
the freedom OF the press" The resolutions further
party, and in its leader Mr. Parneli, and thanks
are extended 10 ''that eminent statesman VIM.
z Gladstone, for his brave and manly efforts in
Dehalf OF the Irish people, whose cause is the
cause OF all men the world over who love liberty
and humanity"
to assist and financially aid, to the extent OF our
ability, the people OF Ireland in this hour Of dire
necessity, and that in giving our moral and ma
ter1al support TO home rule we express not merely
our wish 10 see the Irish people free from the cruel
position In which they have SO long been forced TO
live, but also our sympathy with the English
for we are convinced that the English people can
never have good government at home 50 long as
people Of Ireland. A'A' W w 'Dn'''oA 'N VIC
REPRESENTATIVE HERBERT.
In support OF these resolutions Representative
Herbert, OF Alabama, made q short, ringing
speech. He said that In portion Of this country
was the sympathy of the people more thoroughly
Win the Irish people than In the South, for the
mon knew, that "where the stranger rules the
people mourn" In referring to the statement
made tnat Ireland does not contemplate secession,
In secession, but he was now convinced that in
the Union the peace, prosperity, and happiness OF
sympathized with Ireland, not because he mated
England but because he loved liberty.
REPRESENTATIVE SPRINGER.
When Mr.. Herbert concluded there were calls
from the audience for Fred Douglass, who occupied
seat on the platform. The presiding oficer, how
ever, proceeded with the program and introduced
Representative Springer as the next speaker. Mr..
Springer said that the people of this country were
UNANIMOUS on one question at least. They were in
IaVOr OF nome rule Tor Ireland. He said that the
visitors could return to England and assure their
colleagues OF the opposition In parliament of the
sympathy OF America In their cause. He thought
English autonomy, and that England should be
aware OF the danger Of trifing with the liberties Of
a country. An eloquent appeal for Ireland was
made by the next speaker, Representative Ken
nedy, OF OHIO, who expressed the hope that the
demand Tor home rule would soon be acceded to.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
The calls for Mr.. Frederick Douglass were re-
peated, and that gentleman came forward and was
greeted with a storm OF applause He created
laughter by saying that he ought not to speak on
this occasion, as he was but STRIPPING lowing to
the fact that he had only been emancipated few
great Daniel O'Connel fifty years ago In Ireland.
and OF Y Connell's expressions OF sympathy with
The race OF which the speaker was a representa-
tive. He spoke Of the battle for human freedom
In which he had taken part and The contest
which was now going on for the same cause In be-
half OF oppressed Ireland. He said that no DOUBT
the ear or England was listening TO what was said
at this meeting, but nothing had been said by the
Irish representatives which could be con-
Whatever had been said that pointed to threats or
70 violence had come from the American speakers.
Mr.. Douglass then made some pleasant illusions
TO the fact that his presence gave color to the Oc
casion. and concluded very happy little speech
which elected frequent bursts OF laughter and APP
piause
Upon the conclusion OF Mr.. Douglass speech the
meeting, at IL 30, adjourned.
After the meeting Messrs OCOnnor and Ed
large number who fingered In the hail for that
purpose The following gentlemen acted as
ushers TO seat the audience: p j. Ryan Ii. +.
Harvey, j. p. Hunter It. A. Campbell and II. w.
Newton.